Evans eyes up January transfer targets for Stags

John Lomas

Steve Evans is homing in on his January transfer targets for Mansfield Town and had a ‘fantastic meeting’ with chairman John Radford and CEO Carolyn Radford at the weekend to discuss availability of funds.

With Stags not having a game, Evans and assistant Paul Raynor took advantage to watch other matches and Evans said “We watched a lot of football over the weekend and a lot of opportunities to look at some players we have an interest in.

“I also had a fantastic meeting, that’s the only way I can describe it, with the chairman and chief executive about opportunities we have in January. That went as well as it possibly could.

“They are now waiting on me to present some detail, which could be a couple of weeks away as we have to make sure we get January right.

“I know he will back me. It’s a question of what players we ask for and as to what value. The chairman has made it clear there are resources available, but they are not unlimited.

“When I walk in the door I have to present the case that makes it easy for him to say yes.

“At the same time I have to make sure we are definitely stronger on the pitch otherwise we shouldn’t be bringing these lads in.”

He added: “Our aim is to have a much-improved second half to the campaign to the first, and if we do that it will give us an opportunity to try to break into that top seven.

“It will be tough considering the quality of clubs in there, and we won’t be alone in trying to strengthen.

“There have already been a number of coaches on the phone to me saying what they are trying to do and asking about certain ones.”

Evans is hoping to bring in one or two talented U23s from the top leagues and has been discussing it with their managers.

“I have met a couple for coffee and one for a bit of lunch and been very well received,” he said.

“When a manager is considering putting his players into Leagues One and Two, Mansfield Town must be part of that equation where they go and play.

“We love players young or old playing the right way and the opportunity for young players to come and play the way we play will send them back to the Championship or Premier League ready, more focused and determined to have a future with their club.

“You have to make sure you pick youngsters who are good enough. Your recruitment has to be right.”